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FAQ – Irresistible Grace

Q. 1. “What is the doctrine of ‘irresistible grace’?”

The doctrine of irresistible grace, or “efficacious grace” as it is sometimes referred to, is the fourth of the Five Points of Calvinism. It is represented by the “I” in the acronym TULIP. Irresistible grace stands opposed to the teaching that salvation depends on the final decision of man. According to Arminianism, God’s grace can be frustrated by man. Calvinism teaches that God’s grace irresistibly saves man …

By irresistible grace we mean that God’s grace and salvation cannot be effectively resisted. When God determines to save a man, that man is saved! Neither that man himself nor the devil nor the wicked world are able to prevent his salvation. Nothing can stand in the way of God’s saving purpose. Not only does God will to save him and work to save him, but He actually does save him, “For who hath resisted his will?” (Rom. 9:19). (Rev. Ronald Hanko)

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Q. 2. “What is the importance of maintaining this doctrine?”

Irresistible grace is an important issue. Let no church or individual Christian suppose otherwise. The importance of this issue is not merely that it concerns the question, “Can grace be resisted?” but ultimately the question, “Can God be resisted?” for the grace of salvation is God’s grace. Can God, the sovereign God—the God about whom the Scriptures declare that “he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven … and none can stay his hand” (Dan. 4:35)—be frustrated in His will to save even one sinner? The issue concerns the very character and Being of God. The doctrine of irresistible grace confronts us with the most fundamental question with which a man can be faced: what do you believe about God? (Rev. Ronald Hanko)

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Q. 3. “How does the teaching of ‘the free offer of the gospel’ [or, ‘the well-meant offer’] deny the doctrine of irresistible grace?”

The teaching of the free offer of the gospel, inasmuch as it presupposes the free will of the sinner, is also an implicit denial of the irresistibility of grace. If the gospel is not any longer the power of God unto salvation, as Paul says that it is in Romans 1:16, and if it is not the means by which God works grace in the hearts of the elect, but only an offer of salvation dependent on the sinner’s acceptance of that offer, then it is surely implied that the sinner may very well choose to reject the gospel and the offer of grace and salvation in that gospel. Then, although God wants to save him, although God expresses His love for him in the gospel, the sinner is able to frustrate that desire and love of God. The doctrine of irresistible grace is thereby negated. (Rev. Ronald Hanko, “Saved By Grace: A Study of the Five Points of Calvinism” [RFPA, 2002], p. 142.)

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